Revolt in the Boardroom

During the 20th century, American companies were run by autocratic, nearly unaccountable CEOs. Their authority was undisputed, with only a board of directors made up of their friends and allies as a potential check. However, in a turn of events, a significant number of high-profile CEOs were suddenly ousted from their positions, including those at AIG, Morgan Stanley, Boeing, Hewlett-Packard, and Pfizer. Even once unchallenged leaders faced criticism from their handpicked boards. The sheer number of executive firings is staggering, with 600 companies in 2004, over double that in 2005, and 1,400 in 2006. As a result, directors are taking on new responsibilities and roles. In his book Revolt in the Boardroom, industry expert Alan Murray delves into these changes and the inner workings of this new source of corporate power. Based on his influential Wall Street Journal column, Murray tells the stories of three pivotal board rev